Audi A3 vs Audi A4: Which Is More Suitable For You?

Audi is known for producing luxury cars that elevate daily drives with elegant design and excellent technology. The A4 and the A3 are two of Audi’s most popular models within the segment, delivering outstanding performance, premium feel and sophisticated styling.

Both vehicles showcase the manufacturer’s commitment to innovation and quality, with different strengths. While the A4 leans toward comfort and long-distance cruising, the A3 excels in urban agility and responsive handling.

Join us in this article as we compare these iconic Audi models and explore their main similarities and differences.

• Introduction and Design
• Versions and Performance
• Interior and Technology
• Practicality
• Value and Final Thoughts

Introduction and Design

The A4 was first introduced to the market in 1994 to replace the Audi 80. It did not take long for the A4 to become the brand’s staple executive car known for offering a blend of premium quality, smooth performance and powerful engines.

Clean, sophisticated and sporty are adjectives that can be used to describe the A4’s appearance. Features such as a sleek silhouette and single-frame front grille combined with subtle sport elements offer a modern look with a hint of minimalistic aesthetic.

A couple of years later, Audi debuted the A3 as a luxury hatchback as a more affordable alternative to the manufacturer’s larger models.

Sharply styled, this model can be described as a premium small car with a big presence. Showcasing compact and sporty proportions, precise creases, strong character lines, and sculpted rear bumper provide this car with a youthful look.

Versions and Performance

Throughout the years, the A4’s design and engineering were updated to provide a smooth ride without compromising on the powertrain’s efficiency. The latest models offer an impressive, quiet cabin equipped with state-of-the-art onboard technology.

Precise steering, the ability to glide over bumps and rough roads with ease, and smooth and responsive acceleration are among some of the A4’s best driving features.

Available with petrol and diesel powertrains, the A4 comes with a manual gearbox as standard, but some models offer the choice of slick automatic transmissions, too. A snapshot of the available specs is presented below:

Petrol:

• 35 TFSI: 2.0-litre producing 148bhp (0 to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and up to 46.3mpg)
• 40 TFSI: 2.0-litre producing 187bhp (0 to 62mph in 7.1 seconds and up to 44.8mpg)
• 45 TFSI: 2.0-litre producing 242bhp (0 to 62mph in 5.5 seconds and up to 35.3mpg)

Diesel

• 30 TDI: 2.0-litre producing 134bhp (0 to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and up to 60.1mpg)
• 35 TDI: 2.0-litre producing 161bhp (0 to 62mph in 8.2 seconds and up to 58.9mpg)
• 40 TDI: 2.0-litre producing 201bhp (0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds and up to 54.3mpg)

Driving the A3 is also a pleasant experience. Over the years, Audi kept this model up-to-date with modern technology. The A3 handles bumps and uneven roads with composure; its compact body and light weight make it feel quick on its feet. Steering is precise, smooth acceleration and punchy performance are some of this model’s best characteristics.

Offering the standard petrol and diesel combustion engines as well as a hybrid-eletric powertrain, some models of the A3 come with the legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system. You can find below a snapshot of the specifications available:

Petrol / Hybrid

• 30 TFSI: 1.0-litre producing 109bhp (0 to 62mph in 10.6 seconds and up to 51.4mpg)
• 35 TFSI: 1.5-litre producing 148bhp (0 to 62mph in 8.7 seconds and up to 48.7mpg)
• 40 TFSI e plug-in hybrid: 1.4-litre producing 201bhp (0 to 62mph in 7.6seconds and up to 282.5mpg with fully charged batteries)
• 40 TFSI e plug-in hybrid: 1.4-litre producing 238bhp (0 to 62mph in 6.8 seconds and up to 235.4mpg with fully charged batteries)

Diesel

• 30 TDI: 2.0-litre producing 114bhp (0 to 62mph in 10.1 seconds and up to 61.4mpg)
• 35 TDI: 2.0-litre producing 148bhp (0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds and up to 64.2mpg)

Interior and Technology

Audi excels when it comes to building vehicles with luxurious cabins. Using high-quality materials such as soft-touch plastics, leather upholstery, and brushed aluminium, the A4 has a sophisticated and refined ambiance.

When it comes to onboard technology, the A4 features a minimalist design in the cockpit area. The 10.1-inch infotainment comes with Audi’s user-friendly and intuitive software, MMI (Multi Media Interface) pre-installed.

The A3 is also built with premium materials that enhance the driving experience. There is a variety of upholstery available, including a sustainable option made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, always keeping the clean, modern, and sporty styling. Soft-touch surfaces and elegant accents create an upscale feel.

At the centre, a crisp 10.1-inch infotainment screen anchors the minimalist dashboard. Powered by Audi’s MMI system, it offers intuitive control and seamless connectivity, enhancing both convenience and driving pleasure.

Practicality

The Audi A4 offers a larger boot than the A3, with around 460 litres of space compared to the A3’s 380 litres. This extra capacity makes the A4 better suited for long trips or families needing more luggage space. Both boots are practical, but the A4’s wider opening and extra depth give it the edge.

Inside, the A4 also leads in cabin storage. It features slightly larger door bins, a deeper centre console, and more rear-seat storage options. While the A3 is still well-designed and offers good everyday practicality, the A4’s additional interior space and thoughtful storage details make it a more accommodating choice for passengers and cargo.

Value and Final Thoughts

The Audi A3 is compact, fuel-efficient, and ideal for urban driving. Its smaller size makes parking easier, and it offers strong performance with good fuel economy. The interior is modern, though space is tighter, especially in the rear seats and boot. These features make the A3 ideal for daily commuting.

On the other hand, the Audi A4, being larger, delivers a more comfortable ride with more rear legroom and a bigger boot. It also feels more refined on highways, with smoother handling and a quieter cabin. Opt for an A4 if you need comfort and a larger space for longer-distance travel.

Find your perfect used car at Stratstone

The A3 and A4 are two of Audi’s most popular models due to their practicality, efficiency and style. Both vehicles are excellent performer within their range, and they cater to different lifestyles. Whilst the A3 is the ideal option for those looking for an everyday car that is easy to park in urban areas, the A4 offers larger storage space and more room in the rear.

No matter if you decide an Audi A3 is the best option for you, or if you're more inclined to get an Audi A4, at Stratstone we help you find it with our comprehensive selection of used cars. Alternatively, you can read more car comparison articles that are constantly updated with new information at Stratstone Blog.